Moving into the June holidays, I start to see photos of past vacations popping up on my social media. "I spy with my little eye" - a game that I played with my children when they were younger - was a reliable distraction that helped keep my sanity during long drives. With toddlers ranging from 2 to 8 years old in a confined space, anything more than 15 minutes could feel like an eternity. The key idea of the game is to have children pay attention to their surroundings and focus on looking out for what would help them win. The challenges I set for my children ranged from the most obvious, like “spy something that is red,” to the more challenging like “spy something that daddy may like.” This game not only trained their observation skills, but also challenged their minds to tap into prior knowledge and form associations.
But before you dismiss it as just a good game for children, consider that its message holds true even in adulthood. Just as children search for objects, we too are constantly scanning our surroundings, taking in and making sense of the sights and sounds of the world around us. This helps us score the points necessary for victory in life. But how often do we check the list? Are we fixing our gaze on the right things? Are the things we are looking out for, or paying attention to, actually leading us to victory, or escalating our risk of encountering disappointment and despair?
In our journey as Christian women navigating through a world filled with distractions and temptations, it's crucial to recognise the power of our sight. What we choose to focus on can shape our perception, influence our actions, and ultimately impact our spiritual well-being.
So, how can we ensure that our sight remains aligned with God's truth and purpose?
Guard your eyes
Jesus warned in Matthew 6:22-23, "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness."
Eve’s interaction with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-6) serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing our desires to lead us away from God’s truth. Eve’s downfall began with what she chose to see. Her eyes were captivated by the fruit’s appearance and the promise of wisdom (Genesis 3:6), leading her to make a choice that had far-reaching consequences, including the loss of innocence and the introduction of sin.
Be intentional about what you expose yourself to, whether it's the media you consume, the company you keep, or the activities you engage in. Choose to focus on that which edifies and uplifts your spirit. When we are vigilant about where we set our eyes, we can avoid the pitfalls of deception and walk confidently in God’s truth.
Seek wisdom
Proverbs 4:25-27 advises us, "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining a focused and steady gaze on the path of righteousness, guided by God’s wisdom.
The story of Esther shows us how we can seek wisdom, display courage, and remain devoted to God even under the most challenging circumstances. When Esther learned of Haman’s plot to annihilate the Jews, her initial reaction was one of fear and uncertainty. Approaching the king without being summoned was punishable by death. However, Mordecai urged her to consider that she might have been placed in her royal position “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Recognising the gravity of the situation and her own need for divine guidance, Esther called for a time of communal fasting and prayer, as recorded in Esther 4:16.
She could have turned a blind eye to the call to save her people, or chosen to see only the difficulties, and let the prospect of losing her life overwhelm her. But having placed her sight and trust on God, Esther was able to act with wisdom and courage, ultimately leading to the safe deliverance of her people.
Regularly seek guidance from God's Word and ask Him for wisdom to discern the difference between what is of God and what is of the world. When we focus our attention on God's promises and His unfailing love, we are less likely to be defeated by the challenges and difficulties in our way.
Fix your eyes on Jesus
Hebrews 12:2 encourages us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." In a world filled with distractions and uncertainties, let us anchor our gaze on the unchanging character of Christ. He is our source of hope, strength, and security, and when we keep our eyes fixed on Him, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace.
Mary Magdalene is a good example of a woman who fixed her eyes on Jesus. After being delivered from seven demons (Luke 8:2), Mary Magdalene became a devoted follower of Jesus. She was present at His crucifixion (John 19:25) and was the first to witness His resurrection (John 20:1-18). Her devotion and focus on Jesus was evident in her unwavering support and love for Him.
Remain steadfast in our devotion, no matter the circumstances. Reflect on His life and teachings and allow ourselves to be guided in our way of life.
As we journey together as sisters in Christ, may we be mindful of the power of our sight and intentional about where we choose to fix our gaze. Let us keep our eyes steadfastly focused on the things above (Colossians 3:1).